But Motil's self-described success was an elaborate façade, according to regulatory filings and Ohio bankruptcy proceedings.
In a 29-page complaint, the SEC laid out how Motil issued "promissory notes" fully collateralized by property across Ohio to dozens of investors.
"Nearly everything about his scheme was a lie," the financial regulator's complaint read.
In one instance, according to the SEC, Motil managed to get more than $1 million from 20 different investors for just one single-family home valued at no more than $130,000.
Motil and his wife, Amy, profited handsomely from the scheme, the SEC alleged.
Persons:
Matt Motil, Motil, Amy
Organizations:
U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Washington , D.C, SEC, CNBC, U.S, Trustee, Federal Trade Commission
Locations:
Washington ,, An Ohio, Ohio